Soldiers Field, Ben opened for Dave in 99’. One of the best weekends I can remember.

I was there for both shows! Great shows. Tailgating on asphalt sucked, but the shows were a blast.

I was also in Somerset in '03 when Jack Johnson and Harper co-headlined.

Edit:. My bad. Got my years mixed up. I was there in '01 in the summer. Once at United, and once at in Rosemount as Dave and Friends in '02. No '99 in Chicago. Alpine, maybe.

I was at Somerset in '03!

I think Alpine was '02 but not sure.

Him and the Innocent Criminals were excellent in '07 on the Lifeline tour. They did their first ever Purple Rain cover.

The show was good at Somerset, but the weather sucked. The field was mud and idiots were diving into it, splashing everyone.

Fun Fact! I went to the show with some friends and met up with my new girlfriend at the show (future Mrs. VV). I was talking to my future wife and my recent ex-girlfriend of two years tapped my on the shoulder and gave my a hug and kiss. The future Mrs. VV flipped out and stormed off with her firend. My Ex laughed and walked away. At this moment my future BIL, teammate and roommate at the time, bellyflopped into a mud puddle and drenched me in mud. I had a rain jacket on, but shorts were destroyed and I was cold for the rest of the night.

My wife and I were having a conversation the other day. Whatever happened to the generation/genre of guys like Harper, Jack Johnson, G-Love, etc...They were huge like 15 years ago for 2 or so years, then just disappeared from the main stream.

Speaking of G-Love whenever I went to one of his shows at First Ave. the crowd was always packed with hotties. Not sure why but I never complained.

Jack Johnson faded because he was not that interesting.

Jack faded by his own choice. He publishes his own albums via his Brushfire Records label and has always said he has never had a need to be a star. He enjoyed the touring and life but was never willing to change his simple campfire-style songs for record sales. Also his primary passion is making surf films.

He's not much of a talent, but he's never strayed from what he wants out of life and I give him props for that.

You are right about the G-Love crowds, though I always thought his live shows left much to be desired. At least the couple times I saw him.

My wife and I were having a conversation the other day. Whatever happened to the generation/genre of guys like Harper, Jack Johnson, G-Love, etc...They were huge like 15 years ago for 2 or so years, then just disappeared from the main stream.

I think they all just tour and live the good life without having to worry about record labels telling them what to do. Touring is where the money is at anyways and you can set the schedule.